The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. K S Wright

Kenneth Seymour Wright was born on 19th January 1920 in Chingford, Essex and employed as an insurance broker when he joined the RAFVR in February 1939 as an Airman u/t Pilot.

Called up on 1st September 1939, he completed his elementary training at 12 EFTS Prestwick then moved on to 5 FTS Sealand for No. 48 Course, which ran from 27th May to 10th August 1940.

Wright arrived at 7 OTU Hawarden on the 12th and after converting to Spitfires he joined 616 Squadron at Kenley on 2nd September.

He was posted to 66 Squadron at Gravesend on 18th September and flew his first sortie with the squadron on the 21st.

On 5th October 1940 his Spitfire I X4543 was damaged in combat with Me109's over Tenterden but he was able to return to Gravesend.

He was posted to CFS Upavon on 29th December 1940 for an instructors course, on completion of which he rejoined 66 Squadron.

On 30th June 1941 Wright was ordered to the Station Sick Quarters at Portreath for admission to the NYDC centre at Torquay, for a Medical Board to determine his future employment.

He married Jean Margaret Tompkins in mid-1942 in Epping.

Wright was commissioned in September 1942. His remaining service is currently undocumented though he was awarded Aero Certificate 21070 on 28th March 1946 while still serving so he may have intended a civil flying career.

Wright died on 16th April 1950, his probate (to his wife) entry states 'Jurtenfluh, Schangnau, Switzerland' so the circumstances are currently unknown.